How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make? Exploring Salary Trends in the U.S.

Introduction

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who assess and treat patients with physical impairments, injuries, or disabilities. They use a variety of treatments, including therapeutic exercises, stretching, massage, and ultrasound to improve mobility, reduce pain, and help patients reach their rehabilitation goals. As such, physical therapy is an essential part of the medical field, and PTs play an important role in helping people recover from injury and illness.

In the United States, physical therapists are highly sought after and well-compensated for their work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $88,880 in 2019. That’s higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the U.S., which was $39,810 in 2019. In this article, we will explore the average physical therapist salary in the U.S., as well as factors that can influence earnings.

Exploring Physical Therapy Salaries

When it comes to understanding how much physical therapists make, it’s important to look at the data from a comprehensive perspective. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $88,880 in 2019. However, this figure includes all PTs regardless of experience or skill set. It is also important to note that salaries can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including geographic location, industry, and experience level.

The highest-paid 10 percent of physical therapists earned more than $125,110 in 2019, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $58,190. The median hourly wage for physical therapists was $42.70 in 2019, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $60.19 per hour and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $27.99 per hour.

Comparing Physical Therapist Salaries Across Different Regions

Physical therapist salaries can vary significantly across different states and regions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest concentration of physical therapists were California, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The states with the highest annual mean wages for physical therapists were Nevada ($118,900), Alaska ($117,040), California ($115,720), Oregon ($112,590), and Massachusetts ($111,860).

It’s important to note that the cost of living in these states may be higher than in other states, so the actual purchasing power of the salary may be lower. Additionally, rural areas tend to pay less than urban areas. Generally speaking, the larger the city, the higher the salary for physical therapists.

The Impact of Experience and Education on Physical Therapist Salaries

Experience and education are two of the most important factors that can affect physical therapist salaries. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “experience is the single most important factor in determining salary.” The more experience a physical therapist has, the higher their salary is likely to be. Additionally, PTs who specialize in certain areas, such as sports medicine or geriatrics, may earn higher salaries than those who do not specialize.

Education is also an important factor in determining physical therapist salaries. Most employers prefer to hire physical therapists with at least a master’s degree in physical therapy. Those with doctoral degrees may command higher salaries. Additionally, PTs who have completed additional training or certifications, such as a board certification, may be eligible for higher salaries.

Conclusion

Physical therapy is a growing field with competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $88,880 in 2019. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as geographic location, industry, experience level, and education. The highest-paid 10 percent of physical therapists earned more than $125,110 in 2019, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $58,190.

Experience and education are two of the most important factors that can affect physical therapist salaries. The more experience a physical therapist has, the higher their salary is likely to be. Additionally, PTs who have a master’s degree or higher, who specialize in certain areas, or who have additional training or certifications may be eligible for higher salaries.

Overall, physical therapy is a rewarding and lucrative career path. With the right education, experience, and certifications, physical therapists can enjoy high salaries and job security.